Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when pressure builds up at the wrist, within the median nerve, due to disease, injury, overuse, or repetitive strain. This pressure causes pain, weakness, and numbness in the hand and wrist. As conditions worsen, people will feel tingling and decreased grip strength, making it difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects.

Initial treatment of carpal tunnel includes splinting of the hand to prevent further damage from bending, anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the pain, and cortisone injections to relieve swelling and pressure. If the syndrome recurs, however, surgery may be required. The surgeon will make an incision from the palm to the wrist and cut the underlying tissue that is causing pressure on the nerve. After surgery, a large dressing and splint are used to restrict motion and help the healing process. The scar will gradually fade as time goes on.